Thanks to Sanibel Public Library

March 15, 2013

I would like to offer a letter of thanks to the Sanibel Public Library for the success of the 2012-13 Author Series.

The Sanibel Public Library is pleased to report another successful Author Series year. The 2012-13 Author Series lineup included: Will Shortz, Crossword Puzzle Editor of The New York Times; Robert K. Massie, widely regarded as the foremost expert on the Russian royal family whose biography of Peter the Great earned a Pulitzer Prize; Peter Bergen, The New York Times best-selling author and one of the foremost authorities on foreign policy, national security and the new generation of terrorism; and Judy Collins, bestselling author and inspirational recording artist with top ten hits, Grammy awards, and gold and platinum status records.

Although there is no fee to attend the popular Author Series events, the events are ticketed. Tickets are released to Sanibel Public Library cardholders one month in advance of each event. This year, library patrons who are also great fans of the authors, started lining up outside the library for their tickets about two hours before the library opened at 9 a.m. Tickets were "sold out" within minutes of their release.

Duane Shaffer, adult program coordinator, deserves special kudos for the success of the Author Series. Duane is responsible for selecting and scheduling the authors. His selections are based on popularity and availability. His efforts and dedication have ensured successful programs yearly for the library. Stop in and visit the library's Author Wall, located in meeting room #4, to see all of the authors who have done programs at the Sanibel Public Library. You will be amazed at the caliber of these library guest speakers.

Applause to director Margaret Mohundro and the Sanibel Public Library staff for their hard work and dedication to making these events a success; Joanne Wessels IT manager and Chad Singleton, IT department, for relocating the computer area and fashioning a mobile computer lab for each event; Wendy Lambrix, circulation supervisor, and Betsy Eidem, circulation staff, who coordinate the wonderful champagne receptions held after each event; and to all of the staffers who work long hours to ensure the smooth success of each event.

A special thank you to the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, Inc. and its generous donors, without whose funding support, the Author Series would not exist.

Much gratitude is expressed to the 2012-13 Author Series partners for their generous contributions: Bank of the Islands, The Blue Dolphin Cottages, Saralee and Alexander Christ, Dolores and Jack Clarke, Jan Egeland, Lind and John Kramer, LCEC, Kay and John Morse, Emily and Richard Muench, Myers, Brettholtz & Company, Sandy and Ken Nirenberg, Northern Trust, Sanibel Public Library Foundation, Inc., Uhler & Vertich Financial Planners, and West Wind Inn.